Responding to criticism from the opposition over the Special Integrated Revision (SIR) process, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday strongly defended the constitutional framework guiding the exercise and cautioned leaders against undermining democratic institutions.

Addressing reporters in Delhi, Rijiju said that anyone who genuinely respects India’s constitutional values would refrain from making statements that cast doubt on established systems and procedures.

“Anyone who believes in the Constitution will not speak like this. We must maintain the dignity of every system, every institution, every process, and every position,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the Constitution binds all citizens and political actors to uphold its institutions and practices. “Everything that exists under the Constitution — whether it is an institution or a procedure — must be followed by everyone. This is the fundamental principle on which our democracy stands,” he added.